When the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences hands out awards this week, expect a few surprises.

Airing on Monday night this year (thanks to football and the VMAs), the Emmys should continue its tradition of rewarding people it rewarded before (say, Julia Louis-Dreyfus last year) while singling out some real underdogs along the way (say, Jeff Daniels last year).

So unlike the Oscars, which have become almost surprise-less in recent years thanks to the parade of other awards shows that solidify the choices weeks before, the Emmys are fun for those who dare to make predictions.

Here are the nominees in key categories, plus my picks for who should, and who will, take home the prize.

About This Blog

Community Engagement Editor Jeff Hidek takes his TV way too seriously. There’s something about the common thread of television that brings us together like little else. Jeff’s a member of the Television Critics Association, but he’s no TV snob. He enjoys watching “NCIS” even more than “Mad Men” sometimes. He’s got way too many shows on his DVR list each week, including “Big Bang Theory,” “Parks & Recreation,” “Castle,” “Game of Thrones,” “The Middle,” “Burn Notice,” “The Closer,” “House,” “Chuck,” “The Big C” and “Warehouse 13.” To contact Jeff, e-mail him at jeff.hidek@starnewsonline.com or follow him on Twitter at @JeffHidek.